Technical Buyer

A successful and market leading manufacturer providing bespoke products based in the Exeter area is currently recruiting for a brand new Technical Buyer to join their team on a new position due to growth and succession planning. You will be joining the Procurement Manager who up until now was in a standalone position. You will be ambitious and keen to develop as in the next 12-25 months the current Procurement Manager will be progressing into a Director role and the Buyer will be stepping up into their position. Alongside the Procurement Manager you will oversee an annual spend of approx. £5m across a variety of direct and indirect categories - the most important being the subcontractors (being able to interpret CAD drawings is essential as all the materials are purchased based of bespoke drawings - examples can include steel, aluminium, wood, LED screens, etc)

The role

• Manage the buying process for a specific set of goods, adhering to cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Apply sourcing policies and act as an interface between suppliers and the organisation about specifications and budgets.
• Functional skills and knowledge related to purchasing and sourcing concepts.
• Monitor market trends, and supplier performance.
• Research and evaluate areas for cost reduction and operational efficiency.
• Prepare updates and reports as required by the senior management team.
• Negotiate contracts, improve prices, and review opportunities for business savings.
• Assess and evaluate suppliers, ensuring contract compliance and managing performance improvement activities.
• Maintain a professional approach in all supplier relationships, adhering to company guidelines and purchasing policies.

Experience/Skills

• Qualified to CIPS Certificate in Procurement & Supply Operations level 3 - desirable
• Strong technical knowledge related to the goods and materials that are being purchased.
• Experience gained within light manufacturing organisations, preferably experience of purchasing materials such as steel, aluminium etc.
• Effective negotiator and communicator.
• Strong multi-tasking skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• IT literate with a good working knowledge of excel, word and MS office. 
• Knowledge of Sage software would be an advantage but is not an essential.
• Driven and able to set personal targets for supplier improvements.
• Full UK driving licence.

Please not due to the level of interaction required this role is based 5 days Mon-Fri on site (hours 9:00-17:30)